I decided to donate my prize money to a science organisation in the developing world. I spoke to Alejandra Palermo, International Projects Manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry, who suggested donating the money to the Ghana Chemical Society (GCS).  The Ghana Chemical Society is a professional association with membership of chemists, biochemists, pharmacists, chemical engineers and technicians.  It organises annual workshops, seminars and conferences on issues of national and international significance. It also collaborates and advises government, industry and society.

Ghana's location in Africa

They will use the money to support a conference in Ghana, the theme of which will be “Actions and Innovations to meet the Millennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation”.  This will follow on from a similar event held in 2010, on the theme “Safe Water and Good Sanitation for all: The role of chemistry, industry and society”.  The Millennium Development Goals are targets set out by the United Nations to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women.  Water and sanitation are key issues for sustainable development in Ghana and the GCS aims to bring out actions and innovations on safe water and good sanitation. £500 will allow the GCS to sponsor six students, selected from the five main public universities in Ghana, supporting their travel, accommodation, meals and participation in this event.

I had originally intended to put the prize money towards the cost of my own attendance at a conference.  Although I tried a number of sources, I was not able to get the extra money I needed to cover all the expenses of a suitable conference.  Conferences can be very expensive, as you need to cover your registration fee, travel, accommodation and food. I am pleased that the money will allow not one but a number of students to attend this highly worthwhile conference in Ghana, and I’m sure that both the students and the GCS will benefit greatly.

For information on The Pan Africa Chemistry Network, which supports science in Africa including organisations such as the GCS: http://www.rsc.org/Membership/Networking/InternationalActivities/PanAfrica/index.asp

Joseph
Winner of Chemicals zone in June 2010